Permit now mandatory for commercial e-vehicles: K'taka transport department issues order

Mangaluru, July 3: The Karnataka transport department has made it mandatory for all commercial electric vehicles, including those operating on battery, methanol, and ethanol fuels, to obtain valid permits. A fresh order has been issued to this effect.

Earlier, as per Section 66(3)(n) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, commercial transport vehicles using alternative fuels were exempted from permit requirements under Section 66(1) from 2022 onward. However, the department has now withdrawn this exemption and mandated that all such vehicles obtain permits, though without any associated fee, in the interest of law and order and public welfare.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had in October 2018 permitted battery-operated and bio-fuel-powered vehicles to operate anywhere in the country without a permit, as part of an initiative to promote eco-friendly transport. This central order was implemented in Karnataka starting January 1, 2022.

In Dakshina Kannada and other coastal regions, the exemption had caused confusion, especially between conventional and electric autorickshaw operators.

Several protests and complaints were submitted to the department, demanding a level playing field. A series of discussions were also held between driver associations under the supervision of the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner.

Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath had raised the issue in the legislative assembly, and MLC Ivan D’Souza had urged the government to meet the demands of autorickshaw drivers during the legislative council session.

With the new order, all battery, methanol, and ethanol-powered commercial vehicles currently operating without permits must now obtain them, though without paying the usual fee.

Typically, petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered commercial vehicles must renew their permits every five years by paying a fee of around Rs 600. Under the new directive, however, e-vehicles are required to secure permits free of charge. The transport department is expected to issue further guidelines regarding implementation.

“With this order, the government has fulfilled the long-standing demand of autorickshaw drivers by ensuring that even electric autos are brought under the permit regime. I had raised this issue during zero hour in the legislative council and urged transport minister Ramalinga Reddy to bring in the necessary legal provisions. I thank the state government for acting on its assurance,” said MLC Ivan D’Souza.